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TECHNICAL REPORT NO. 77
July 2018
Final Report
Prepared by: Lori FisherLake Champlain Committee For: The Lake Champlain Basin Program and New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
TECHNICAL REPORT NO. 91
Volunteer Coordination and Training for the Lake Champlain Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program
This report was funded and prepared under the authority of the Lake Champlain Special Designation Act of 1990, P.L. 101-596 and subsequent reauthorization in 2002 as the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Lake Champlain Basin Program Act, H. R. 1070, through the US EPA. Publication of this report does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views of the states of New York and Vermont, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, or the US EPA.
The Lake Champlain Basin Program has funded more than 80 technical reports and research studies since 1991.For complete list of LCBP Reports please visit:http://www.lcbp.org/media-center/publications-library/publication-database/
NEIWPCC Job Code: 993-003-001
Final Report
NEIWPCC Job Code: 0993-003-001 Project Code: L-2017-041 Prepared by: Lori Fisher Lake Champlain Committee Date Submitted: 1/30/18; Updated 4/26/18 Date Approved:
This is a Lake Champlain Basin Program funded project 54 West Shore Road Grand Isle, VT 05458 802.372.3213 www.lcbp.org
Volunteer Coordination and Training for the Lake Champlain Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program
Contact Information ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Lake Champlain Committee, Lori Fisher, Executive Director
208 Flynn Ave., Bldg. 3, STE 3-F, Burlington, VT 05401
802-658-1414, [email protected]
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This project was funded by an agreement awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency to the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program. NEIWPCC manages LCBP’s personnel, contract, grant, and budget tasks and provides input on the program’s activities through a partnership with the LCBP Steering Committee. Although the information in this document has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection agency under agreement CE982720010 to NEIWPCC, it has not undergone the Agency’s publications review process and therefore, may not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency and no official endorsement should be inferred. The viewpoints expressed here do not necessarily represent those of NEIWPCC, the LCBP Steering Committee, or EPA, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or causes constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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Executive Summary
A Lake Champlain cyanobacteria monitoring program has been in place since 2002. The Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) initiated a citizen-based near-shore monitoring program in 2003 and has expanded the network of trained volunteers and monitoring sites since that time. The monitoring program is an effective collaboration with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC), Vermont Department of Health (VDH) and participating New York agencies. The program includes New York, Vermont and Quebec monitoring sites. Since 2012, VT DEC has had primary responsibility for program oversight including Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures. Funding for LCC's portion of the monitoring program was provided by the Lake Champlain Basin Program and private donations. This report covers LCC's portion of the on-going Lake Champlain cyanobacteria monitoring program for the period between June 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 and focuses on monitoring season preparation, recruitment and training of volunteers, monitor season reporting, and analysis of the season. LCC trains and supports a network of volunteers who monitor for cyanobacteria at shoreland locations on Lake Champlain and at several inland Vermont lakes. LCC also assists in training water supply operators and state and municipal recreational personnel at Lake Champlain parks and beach areas. LCC's data collection complements those of VT DEC and is integrated into a program that includes qualitative observations and quantitative analysis. LCC vets all of the monitor observations before they are approved for public viewing on a cyanobacteria data-tracker map housed on the VDH website. LCC also communicates results via our website, weekly emails to monitors and a list-serve of interested citizens, and through media releases and social media avenues. LCC's outreach also focuses on how to recognize and respond to cyanobacteria blooms.
Objectives of the Lake Champlain/Inland VT Lakes Citizen Monitoring Program recruit, train and support a cadre of volunteer cyanobacteria monitors for Lake
Champlain and select Vermont inland lakes that have experienced periodic cyanobacteria blooms;
coordinate efforts with VT DEC and VDH in a program that provides both qualitative and quantitative data at selected Lake Champlain locations and tests for the presence of cyanotoxins when algal density and composition triggers are reached at select monitoring locations;
facilitate communication about lake conditions through timely postings to VDH web page, weekly emails to monitors and list-serve and through media releases and social media outreach; and
provide outreach and assistance to beach managers, lakeshore property owners and the public so they can learn to recognize and respond appropriately to the presence of cyanobacteria blooms.
For the 2017 monitoring season LCC produced and updated a series of resource materials, offered 23 formal training sessions and trained nearly 300 potential monitors, interested citizens and municipal and state park personnel. LCC staff and monitors consistently reported from 117 locations on Lake Champlain and 11 on Vermont inland lakes. LCC volunteer monitors submitted an average of 75 observations of water conditions per week from mid-June of 2017 into November 2018. Report frequency was heavier during the heart of summer and tailed off on either end in keeping with the seasonal use and openings and closings of park and beach areas. Over 1750 site-specific reports were submitted during the
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2017 monitoring season from Lake Champlain and Vermont inland lakes. Of those reports, 1486, or 85% of the reports were submitted by monitors trained and supported by LCC.
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Table of Contents
1. Project Introduction Page 6
2. Tasks Completed and Methodology Page 8 3. Quality Assurance Tasks Completed Page 11 4. Deliverables Completed Page 11 5. Conclusions Page 17 6. Acknowledgements Page 18 7. References Page 19 8. Appendices Page 19 Appendix A - 2017 LCC Citizen Monitoring Site Listing Page 19 Appendix B - LCC Reporting & Visual Assessment Protocols & Guidance Page 22 Ap. B1 – Introduction to Cyanobacteria Information Page 22
Ap. B2 – LCC Online Reporting Form Page 22 Ap. B3 – LCC Online Instructions for Categorizing
Bloom Intensity Page 22 Ap. B4 – Instructions for Photographing Blooms
& Taking Water Samples Page 22
Appendix C – Downloadable Flier on How to Recognize Cyanobacteria Page 23
Appendix D – Example of Weekly Report to Monitors Page 24 Appendix E – Example of Weekly Reports to Interested
Citizens/Agencies Page 38 Appendix F – Example of Select Reports to Media Page 49
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1 Project Introduction
Background
Lake Champlain is one of the largest lakes in the United States and an important water resource for the states of Vermont and New York, and the province of Quebec. The lake is a drinking water source for nearly 200,000 people, a prime recreational resource for residents and visitors, and the economic driver for the region. The regional tourism economy is heavily dependent on the lake health and water quality. Cyanobacteria blooms have been documented in the lake since the 1970s, with some areas experiencing extensive annual blooms. In 1999, several dog deaths were attributed to cyanobacteria toxins, raising health and safety concerns regarding drinking water supplies and recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. Public concern about cyanobacteria blooms remains high. Cyanobacteria, also referred to as blue-green algae, are a natural and normal component of the phytoplankton in freshwater and are present in Lake Champlain during much of the summer (Watzin et al 2011, LTM unpublished data). Cell counts and associated toxins are below levels of concern in most of the lake each year (Watzin et al, 2011). St. Albans and Missisquoi bays typically experience annual periods of high cyanobacteria density lasting several weeks, though, based on targeted sampling efforts, conditions rarely exceed Vermont’s recreational guidance criteria of 6µg/L.
History of Cyanobacteria Monitoring on Lake Champlain A Lake Champlain cyanobacteria monitoring program has been in place since 2002. The Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) initiated a citizen-based near-shore monitoring program in 2003 and has expanded the network of trained volunteers and monitoring sites since that time. The monitoring program is an effective collaboration with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC), Vermont Department of Health (VDH) and participating New York agencies. From 2002 to 2011, the Lake Champlain Basin Program provided the majority of funding for the annual cyanobacteria monitoring program which utilized cell density and toxin data to evaluate recreational conditions around the lake. Results were communicated to stakeholders around the region through weekly updates. The University of Vermont (UVM) developed and implemented the program, in cooperation with LCC, VT DEC and VDH. The monitoring program was well received locally and served as a model at the regional and national level. Beginning in 2012, the volunteer monitoring portions of the program coordinated by LCC transitioned from an analytically intensive sampling based system to a more qualitative observational system. This change enabled us to expand the monitoring network to underserved areas of the lake while continuing to provide the information necessary to inform recreational and public health response in a fiscally sustainable program. The volunteer monitoring complemented on-going analytical sampling and analysis conducted by VDH and VT DEC. Since 2012, VT DEC has had primary responsibility for program oversight including Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures.
Financial Support Funding for LCC's portion of the 2017 monitoring program was provided by the Lake Champlain Basin Program and private donations.
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Report Focus This report covers LCC's portion of the on-going Lake Champlain cyanobacteria monitoring program for the period between June 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 and focuses on monitoring season preparation, recruitment and training of volunteers, monitor season reporting, and analysis of the season. LCC trains and supports a network of volunteers who monitor for cyanobacteria at shoreland locations on Lake Champlain and at several inland Vermont lakes. LCC also assists in training water supply operators and state and municipal recreational personnel at Lake Champlain parks. LCC's data collection complements those of VT DEC and is integrated into a program that includes qualitative observations and quantitative analysis. LCC vets all of the monitor observations before they are approved for public viewing on a cyanobacteria data-tracker map housed on the VDH website. LCC also communicates results via our website, weekly emails to monitors and a list-serve of interested citizens, and through social media. In order to educate and engage the broader public on this issue, LCC's outreach also focuses on how to recognize and respond to cyanobacteria blooms. Objectives of the Lake Champlain/Inland VT Lakes Citizen Monitoring Program The objectives of the LCC cyanobacteria monitoring program are to:
recruit, train and support a cadre of volunteer cyanobacteria monitors for Lake Champlain and select Vermont inland lakes that have experienced periodic cyanobacteria blooms;
coordinate efforts with VT DEC and VDH in a program that provides both qualitative and quantitative data at selected Lake Champlain locations and tests for the presence of cyanotoxins when algal density and composition triggers are reached at select monitoring locations;
facilitate communication about lake conditions through timely postings to VDH web page, weekly emails to monitors and list-serve and social media outreach; and
provide outreach and assistance to beach managers, lakeshore property owners and the public so they can learn to recognize and respond appropriately to the presence of cyanobacteria blooms.
Overview of 2017 Trainings & Results For the 2017 monitoring season LCC offered 23 training sessions and trained nearly 300 potential monitors, interested citizens and municipal and state park personnel. LCC staff and monitors reported from 117 locations on Lake Champlain and 11 on Vermont inland lakes (Appendix A). LCC volunteer monitors submitted an average of 74 observations of water conditions per week over a 20-week period running from mid-June of 2017 through early November. (Report frequency was heavier during the heart of summer and tailed off on either end in keeping with the seasonal use and openings and closings of park and beach areas.) Over 1750 site specific reports were submitted during the 2017 monitoring season from over 150 locations on Lake Champlain and Vermont inland lakes as part of the collaborative program. Of those reports, 1486, or 85% of the reports were submitted by monitors trained and supported by LCC.
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2 Tasks Completed and Methodology
Recruitment LCC recruited monitors broadly through a variety of mediums and the training sessions were publicized through media outreach, public events, presentations, emailings and social media. Sign-in sheets for LCC programs throughout the year included a check-off box to indicate interest in serving as a monitor or receiving weekly updates during the monitoring season. These options were also conveyed through mailings and emailings to LCC members and lake residents throughout the year. LCC's website further reinforced the program with web pages dedicated to information on cyanobacteria and the monitoring program, a volunteer response form and online forms to indicate interest in monitoring or sign up for weekly informational reports. While we attempted to gain a wide geographic distribution of monitoring sites, no interested volunteer willing to commit the time to training and reporting was turned away. In a few areas of the lake, this did lead to a cluster of observation points. The volunteer monitor program has an impact beyond the recruitment of volunteers and collection of data. There is widespread public concern about cyanobacteria. While not all trained volunteers go on to report, all become familiar with cyanobacteria, potential health risks associated with them, the water quality conditions that increase the likelihood of blooms, and individual actions they can take to improve water quality. Training Sessions For the 2017 season, LCC trained nearly 300 potential monitors during 23 formal training sessions around the Lake Champlain Basin. A separate online training session was held for watershed organizations and interested citizens in the Lake Memphremagog region. LCC also provided training for municipal and state recreational staff and assisted VT DEC and VDH with training for Vermont drinking water facility operators. Throughout the year we also held informal information sessions about cyanobacteria as part of larger presentations on water quality. LCC's cyanobacteria monitor training sessions covered:
background on cyanobacteria;
causes and conditions that favor blooms;
health concerns;
management efforts and citizen actions to reduce blooms;
appearance and how to distinguish cyanobacteria from other lake phenomena;
categorization of water conditions and blooms;
photographic and water sampling requirements;
reporting protocols; and
instructions for filling out both the VDH and LCC online reporting forms.
Cyanobacteria Monitor Training session for Burlington Recreation staff.
Photo by Lori Fisher.
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Attendees get detailed guidance on how to assess conditions and are provided with links to a series of online tools to aid their reporting. Monitors were provided with gloves for taking water samples and thermometers for temperature checks. The guidance materials are available on the Lake Champlain Committee website (lakechamplaincommittee.org) and reiterated in all our weekly emails with hyperlinks so that monitors could continually refer to the instructions throughout the season. Citizens who attended training sessions or received our reports were encouraged to distribute the information to friends and neighbours. LCC also has online resources to educate anyone visiting our website about cyanobacteria. Information covered includes:
cyanobacteria in Lake Champlain;
the cyanobacteria monitoring program ;
how to stay informed;
what to do if you see a bloom;
actions to take to reduce blooms; Training materials for the monitors were based on the Vermont Department of Health’s Blue-green Algae (Cyanobacteria) Guidance for Vermont Communities as well as input from monitors and were reviewed by VT DEC and VDH. Monitoring Requirements Monitors were asked to commit to monitoring at least one location for the duration of the monitoring period (mid-June to September). All volunteers attended a mandatory training session to learn to recognize cyanobacteria, become familiar with the assessment protocol, and learn how to submit their weekly reports. Monitors are trained to make their weekly observations between 10 AM and 3 PM on roughly the same day of the week. If they observed bloom conditions outside of their regular reporting period they were asked to file supplemental reports as soon as possible. Any time blooms were observed monitors were encouraged to submit daily reports until after the bloom dissipated. LCC staff met with or interacted with each volunteer in the weeks following the training to ensure reporting consistency among volunteers and provide
ongoing support. Not all volunteers were able to use the internet-based reporting system and instead submitted their reports by telephone or email.
Monitors are provided with gloves and thermometers and trained how to assess and report on conditions. Photo by Sheila
Chairvolotti. Training session for Burlington Recreation staff.
Photo by Lori Fisher.
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Three-tiered Visual Assessment Approach Volunteer monitors were taught to assess cyanobacteria conditions using a three-tiered visual system outlined at the training sessions and in the training materials. They identified conditions and assigned them to one of three categories:
Category 1 - very few or no cyanobacteria observed, recreational enjoyment not impaired by cyanobacteria. (Category 1 contained subcategories of ratings from 1a through 1 d).
Category 2 - cyanobacteria present at less than bloom levels.
Category 3 - cyanobacteria bloom in progress. Monitors also had the option to report 'little cyanobacteria present but enjoyment of water not impaired' (category 1d - a subset of category 1). This language mimics the lake-user surveys conducted between 1987 and 1991 that formed the basis for the Lake Champlain water quality standards. In the event that monitors observed cyanobacteria blooms (category 2 or 3 conditions), they were asked to submit photographic documentation. We requested three photographs: a close-up of the water, a broader view to evaluate the extent of the bloom, and a water sample in the bottle to help distinguish colour and give cyanobacteria a chance to float toward the water surface. Photographs allowed us to check the monitor’s assessment. If we disagreed with a monitor's categorization, we followed up to provide further guidance. When possible, monitors observing category 2 or 3 conditions reported daily through the duration of the bloom. Any time monitors reported blooms, LCC followed up with them to encourage daily reporting. LCC approved reports submitted directly by volunteers to the VDH web interface and uploaded any sent submitted solely to LCC as quickly as possible. Category 2 and 3 reports were prioritized, shared with VT DEC and VDH partners, and posted right away following verification. Quantitative Monitoring Four shoreline monitoring locations, Shipyard in Highgate, St. Albans Bay Park, North Beach in Burlington, and Red Rocks in South Burlington, were designated sites of high risk/high concern due to the presence of drinking water facilities or high recreational usage. At these locations, volunteers made visual observations and also collected water samples from the shore. These volunteers received additional training in water assessment and testing. Volunteers delivered whole water samples to the VDH laboratory where they were analyzed for microcystin, anatoxin and cyanobacteria density.
Monitoring Season The official monitoring season began the weekend of June 18, 2017 and ran through September 30, 2017. The reporting start was delayed by a week due to issues with the cyanobacteria data tracker. Some monitors continued to file reports through early November if conditions warranted and they were available and had access to sites. Some monitors reported over a 20-week season. Reporting & Publicity of Results Monitors' observations were received via an on-line form available on the Lake Champlain Committee website, by phone, or were directly entered into the Vermont Department of
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Health cyanobacteria tracker. For reports that were entered into the VDH tracker, partners received automated notification of alert level reports posted to the tracking database. This facilitated communication and enabled quick review, approval and public posting of cyanobacteria blooms. Each monitor was provided with a user name and password for the VDH tracker and trained how to submit online reports. The LCC online form provided a back-up option for monitors who had trouble using the VDH site and form or during times when the VDH site had technical issues. Additionally, LCC took verbal reports on conditions when monitors were not able to access online reporting forms. Once approved by an administrator from LCC, VDH, or VT DEC, the monitors' reports appeared live on the public VDH tracker web-site which is accessible to anyone with internet access. Monitors and partners received a weekly email summarizing water conditions on the lake each Friday or Saturday (example at Appendix D). The weekly updates also included a photograph of conditions observed that week, monitor's individual user names and passwords, links to resource materials including the online materials, relevant information and reporting tips, and actions to take to reduce bloom frequency. This way monitors always had easy access to information to file accurate reports. The weekly emails also served to continue educating recipients about cyanobacteria. A separate weekly update report was provided to interested citizens and area media (examples at Appendix E and F). Weekly updates and notices of cyanobacteria blooms were also posted on LCC's website and Facebook pages, relayed to some Front Porch Forum outlets, and promoted through additional emails and e-newsletters as relevant.
3 Quality Assurance Tasks Completed
There were no Quality Control requirements on the visual observations. However, LCC reviewed all reports for logical consistency and errors before entering the data into VDH tracker. In cases where we changed categorizations or required additional information we always contacted monitors to explain our decisions and provide them with the background and support they needed to correctly assess conditions. We also contacted monitors from high priority sites if they were delinquent in their reporting and followed up with anyone who appeared to have trouble filing complete reports. Phytoplankton samples from four priority locations were delivered to the VDH laboratory as unfiltered whole water. Any further laboratory analysis and QA was conducted at the laboratory.
4 Deliverables Completed
Resource Materials A large portion of the pre-season work focused on developing and refining education and outreach materials and recruiting monitors for a successful season. We expanded our website content about cyanobacteria and updated guidance materials on cyanobacteria (see
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Appendix B for links to examples). We also updated our informational materials to use the term "cyanobacteria" rather than "blue-green algae" for scientific accuracy. This approach was also generally adopted by program partners to help foster consistent public messaging. Training Sessions LCC conducted 23 formal training sessions around the Lake Champlain Basin. General sessions, open to any interested person, were held at Charlotte Town Hall, the offices of the Lake Champlain Basin Program (multiple sessions) in Grand Isle, Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge in Swanton, the Plattsburgh public library, Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans, Kingsland Bay State Park in Ferrisburgh, Noblewood Park Pavilion in Willsboro, the Shelburne town offices (multiple sessions), and the office of the Lake Champlain Committee in Burlington (multiple sessions). Training sessions for staff who regularly work on the water were held for the Vermont State Park staff in the northwest and southwest districts, and Lake Champlain Basin Program boat launch stewards. Additionally we hosted special trainings for interested personnel and summer seasonal staff for nine groups:
the Burlington Community Sailing Center,
Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront,
Charlotte Recreation,
Colchester Parks and Recreation,
Plattsburgh City Beach, Shelburne Parks and Recreation,
South Burlington Recreation and Parks,
St. Albans Parks and Recreation Department,
St. Albans Public Works Department,
Willsboro Department of Recreation We also did a webinar training for Lake Memphremagog monitors and interested citizens and held a special training session for LCC Board members. LCC participated in additional sessions at the request of VT DEC and VDH. LCC provided cyanobacteria monitor training sessions for public water suppliers with in-takes on Lake Champlain during a series of outreach sessions put together by the VT DEC and Vermont Rural Water Association. These training sessions were part of a program initiated in 2015 to test raw and finished water for cyanotoxins. LCC provided also training for volunteers on Lake Carmi, Lake Iroquois, Lake Memphremagog, and Shelburne Pond to assist with inland lake monitoring at those locations. We also reviewed reports and supported monitors for those locations throughout the season. LCC provided ongoing support to monitors throughout the season via in-person meetings, over the phone consultation, emailings and weekly reporting. Report Vetting During the summer monitoring season from mid-June through early November, LCC received and approved an average of 74 reports per week from volunteer monitors. Reporting frequency was highest during the heart of the summer and diminished after Labor Day when most park areas closed and seasonal residents moved away from the lake. We also continued to monitor conditions through mid-November at select locations as Lake Carmi experienced sporadic blooms from mid-August through early November.
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As in past years, we distinguished between regular reports and supplemental reports. "Regular" reports are those filed by monitors as part of their regular weekly reporting. "Supplemental" reports are those received outside of the weekly reporting period or submitted by people who don't monitor regularly. By distinguishing between regular and supplemental reports we are better able to understand the probability of a bloom occurring at a given location while still collecting valuable information to inform public health alerts. Supplemental reports are biased toward reporting bloom conditions. Random observers of the lake do not submit reports of the lake’s regular day-to-day condition; they only report when they see something out of the ordinary. Yet supplemental reports help capture the patchy distribution of blooms in space and time, and it is important to inform the public when such blooms occur so they can more reasonably avoid them. The regular weekly reports provide a check on observer’s inclination to report only bloom conditions, and provide a better assessment of the lake as a whole. Outreach Each week during the monitoring season we generated weekly reports for monitors providing them with a compilation of reports from that week and providing them with their user name, password, resource links and other information for successful reporting. A separate weekly email about conditions was sent to the media and interested citizens. LCC promoted the weekly emails through outreach to our members and the general public, Facebook posts, Enewsletters, and our website. Weekly updates on conditions were also provided via Facebook posts, website updates and Front Porch Forum. We also distributed information to the press, conducted media interviews and held informational meetings about cyanobacteria. LCC fielded requests from the Associated Press, The Burlington Free Press, Seven Days, Vermont Digger, Vermont Public Radio, Vermont Public Television, New England News Network, North Country Radio, AMC Radio, the University of Vermont publications and other media outlets to provide interviews and/or background on cyanobacteria. Results We extended the monitoring season and had a greater number of monitors continue to report into the early fall. Over 1,750 site specific monitoring reports were filed by LCC staff and volunteers and project partners during the 2017 season. Most of these were from Lake Champlain but regular reports were also provided from volunteer monitoring LCC oversaw on Vermont lakes Carmi, Iroquois and Memphremagog and Shelburne Pond. Additional supplemental reports were received from locations not monitored regularly, made outside the weekly reporting day by LCC volunteers, or provided by the public. Reports based on the visual assessment protocols accounted for the vast majority of the total reports received. Reports from sites using both the tiered alert system and visual assessment protocols were under ten percent of the total. Cyanobacteria Conditions on Lake Champlain and Inland Lakes As in years past, the majority of monitoring reports noted generally safe conditions on Lake Champlain and at several of the inland lakes we oversaw. However, there were both low and high alert conditions reported throughout the season and in some areas, cyanobacteria blooms were severe. Eighty-five percent of the monitoring reports received in 2017 indicated that few or no cyanobacteria were present (category 1 of the visual protocol). In
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all, 259 regular or supplemental reports of bloom conditions were received, during the 2017 monitoring season, 15% of the total reports received. For Lake Champlain, 88% of the reports from 2017 indicated generally safe conditions. Alert-level conditions were reported 186 times, 119 as supplemental reports (Figure 1 below), approximately 12% of the reports submitted (Figure 2 below). Alert level conditions were reported most frequently in Missisquoi Bay and St. Albans Bay in 2017 (Figure 3 below). The number of alert level reports was higher than in 2016 but similar to the number reported in 2015. The summer began relatively cool and wet, culminating with lower than normal temperatures in late August. This was followed by higher than normal temperatures throughout the region which lasted through early November. The early summer nutrient loading, followed by hot, sunny, still days stimulated persistent and extensive late season cyanobacteria blooms across the region which lasted into the fall in some areas. The Main Lake section of Lake Champlain, along with St. Albans Bay and Lake Carmi were particularly impacted. Shelburne Pond also has a history of frequent cyanobacteria blooms and reports provided by the LCC volunteer monitoring the boat launch area noted blooms there beginning in late June. Lake Memphremagog and Iroquois experienced good conditions most of the summer, though both were affected by the unusual late season weather. Lake Iroquois experienced short-lived blooms in early August and late September. Low alert conditions were reported from the Newport city dock on Lake Memphremagog in mid-September. Cyanotoxin sample efforts done by the monitoring partners continue to target bloom situations whenever possible. Because microcystin concentrations are expected to be highest in these situations, this targeted sampling increases the opportunity to capture high microcystin events. Despite targeted sampling efforts, over the last six summers, microcystin concentrations exceeding Vermont’s recreational guideline of 6µg/L are rarely documented and have occurred only in Missisquoi Bay. In 2017, microcystin was detected at multiple locations on Lake Champlain and Lake Carmi. The Vermont recreational guidance value was not reached, but concentrations did exceed 4 µg/L on several occasions in Lake Champlain (Shipyard – Missisquoi Bay, August 8 – 5.1 µg/L; Charlotte Town Beach, September 25 – 4.25 µg/L; North Beach, September 26 - 4.4 µg/L; LTM 51 – October 5 – 5.6 µg/L). Details of the toxin sampling analysis is available from the Cyanobacteria Monitoring on Lake Champlain Summer 2017 report filed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (Shambaugh et al, 2017). The complete monitoring data can be downloaded from the VDH website at https://apps.health.vermont.gov/vttracking/cyanobacteria/2017summary/index.html).
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Figure 1 Number of yearly cyanobacteria status reports for Lake Champlain by category. Records prior to 2012 were determined using historical cell count and toxin data. Beginning in 2012, summaries include records obtained using the visual assessment protocol. The status generated by the visual assessment protocol is used at locations where both types of assessment were employed. Supplemental reports are included separately, indicated by an ‘s’ following the year on the x axis. (Table courtesy of Angela Shambaugh, VT DEC.)
Figure 2. Cyanobacteria status reports Lake Champlain by category, percent of total reports received. Records prior to 2012 were determined using historical cell count and toxin data. Beginning in 2012, summaries include records obtained using the visual assessment protocol. The status generated by the visual assessment protocol is used at locations where both types of assessment were employed. Supplemental reports are included but not reported separately. (Table courtesy of Angela Shambaugh, VT DEC.)
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Figure 3. Number of yearly cyanobacteria reports for Lake Champlain by region, 2013 – 2016. The status generated by the visual assessment protocol is used at locations where both types of assessment were employed. Supplemental reports are included separately, indicated by an ‘sr’ preceeding the year on the x axis. (Table courtesy of Angela Shambaugh, VT DEC.)
In late September, there were numerous alert level conditions reported along the Vermont shoreline from Burlington Bay southward. The warm weather also brought beachgoers out in high numbers during a time of year when park and beach staffing levels are typically low. LCC staff checked on beaches throughout Chittenden County to support municipalities who no longer had staff on-site and we called on several monitors to make additional site visits to public beaches in their area. Municipal staff also increased efforts to ensure coverage and LCC staff spent time talking to beach goers, educating them about cyanobacteria and the potential consequences of contact with cyanobacteria blooms. Town Health Officers posted signage at locations outside of Burlington. As noted above, Lake Carmi, was severely impacted by blooms during 2017. The lake is eutrophic and experiences low oxygen concentrations in the hypolimnion, which results in internal phosphorus loading. LCC oversaw volunteer monitoring sites at four locations there and Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC) conducted routine water quality monitoring on Carmi in 2017. Blooms, primarily at the northern end of the lake, developed in mid-July for a short period and then subsided. In late August, water temperature dropped
High alert bloom conditions at Lake Carmi’s Dewing Road site on November 8, 2017.
Photo by Dick Benton.
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significantly, triggering early lake turnover and full mixing of the phosphorus-rich hypolimnetic waters into the rest of the lake. September’s higher than normal temperatures along with intense sunshine and calm winds in re-established stratification with much higher phosphorus concentrations at the surface, which primed conditions for late season cyanobacteria blooms. These were severe and persisted into early November. Further details about 2017 water quality conditions for Lake Carmi can be found in the VT DEC summer 2017 Cyanobacteria Monitoring Report and on the Vermont DEC webpage.
5 Conclusions
The LCC Citizen Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program continues to show that volunteer monitors can provide valuable information about the presence of cyanobacteria blooms. Priority locations for our monitoring sites include public beaches, locations where blooms have previously been observed, and public drinking water intakes. We continue to refine our outreach to increase the availability of the data and relay it to public health officials, recreational personnel, and interested citizens in a timely manner. Data collected by the volunteers were uploaded onto the Vermont Department of Health’s on-line Cyanobacteria Tracker Map for tracking blooms generally within hours of receipt and vetting. The vast majority of the data provided on Lake Champlain conditions were provided by LCC staff or volunteers. Without LCC’s volunteer cyanobacteria monitoring program the status and prevalence of cyanobacteria on the lake would be considerably less clear. The program provides useful information on conditions at near-shore areas and effectively involves citizens in a critical issue they are concerned about. It also is well integrated with state agencies. We coordinate with Vermont and New York environmental and public health agencies on protocols, messaging, public outreach, and publicity. The monitoring program has an educational value that transcends the information supplied by the monitors. Nearly 300 people were trained to assess water conditions. Many people attended the trainings to educate themselves about cyanobacteria and to be able to assess conditions on their own. All involved became more knowledgeable about cyanobacteria and the potential risks they pose as well as the actions to take to reduce bloom frequency. Everyone who attended a training session left able to communicate this information with friends and neighbours. Monitors have noted that they share information with their neighbours and take personal actions to reduce blooms. The monitoring program continues to grow with more citizen monitors participating each year. Their involvement provides areal coverage and report frequencies which would be difficult to obtain without volunteer assistance. Additionally, the program provides an avenue for citizens concerned about water quality to play a role in assessing conditions and disseminating information. While several federal agencies are working to develop satellite monitoring for the Northeast, we anticipate that the volunteer monitors will continue to be a critical part of the program because of their ability to report with greater frequency regardless of weather conditions.
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2018 Plans LCC is working to expand training materials for the upcoming season including an online training video. We will also be updating materials to include information about cyanobacteria that presented differently than some of our guidance documents such as the scytonema bloom that was discovered at the Coast Guard station in Burlington, VT for several weeks in September. Since the season of blooms is extending, with blooms showing up in the fall, we will also explore ways to cover high priority monitoring locations later in the year. LCC will recruit broadly for the upcoming season. We will again hold training sessions throughout the watershed and coordinate with VT DEC and VDH partners on training, materials, reporting and outreach. We will also try to coordinate with New York agencies involved in the state’s new Harmful Algal Bloom initiative. In addition to monitor training sessions we will also hold public information sessions on cyanobacteria to educate lake users on how to recognize and avoid blooms. Monitors and interested citizens will again be provided with weekly reports on conditions and we will do additional outreach through emailings, social media and other networks to inform people about conditions. We will continue to incorporate information about Act 86 (VT law passed in 2016 outlining VDH reporting requirements for cyanobacteria) into our training materials and collaborate with project partners on media outreach related to the reporting needs. To facilitate timely reporting of conditions, LCC's ECO AmeriCorps Education & Outreach Coordinator will follow-up with monitors who aren't reporting regularly. He will also contact monitors who have reported blooms to facilitate daily reporting when possible through the duration of the bloom.
6 Acknowledgements
Funding for LCC's portion of the 2017 monitoring program was provided by the Lake Champlain Basin Program and private donations. We are deeply appreciative of this financial support. The cyanobacteria monitoring program is an effective collaboration by state agencies and a bi-state nonprofit organization. Our sincere thanks to partners at the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC), Vermont Department of Forests Parks and Recreation (VT FPR), Vermont Department of Health (VDH), Vermont Rural Water Association (VRWA) for their involvement. Thanks also to the dedicated work of Dom Brennan, Daniel Denora and Alexa Hachigian of LCC; Colleen Hickey, Eric Howe, Ellen Kujawa, Meg Modley, and Matt Vaughn of LCBP; Angela Shambaugh, Pete Stangel, and Heather Campbell of VT DEC; Rob Peterson of VT FPR; Lisa Cicchetti, David Grass, Kirk Kimball, Jan Leja, Bridget O'Brien, Marie Sawyer, Ben Truman, Sarah Vose, and Peter Young of VDH; Shaun Fielder and Liz Royer of
We greatly appreciate the investment LCBP has made in the cyanobacteria monitoring program.
Photo by LCC.
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VRWA for their collective efforts and partnership. Finally, we gratefully acknowledge all the citizen volunteers who continue to be the backbone of the monitoring program.
7 References
Watzin, M., S. Fuller, L. Bronson, R. Gorney, and L. Schuster. 2011. Monitoring and Evaluation of Cyanobacteria in Lake Champlain, Summer 2009. Lake Champlain Basin Program Technical Report No. 61. 64 pp. Vermont Department of Health. 2015. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) – Guidance for Vermont Communities. 40 pp. Shambaugh, A., S. Vose, B. O'Brien, L. Fisher, H. Campbell. 2017. Cyanobacteria Monitoring on Lake Champlain, Summer 2017. Final Report for the Lake Champlain Basin Program. 53 pp.
8 Appendices
Appendix A – 2017 LCC Citizen Monitoring Site Listings and Locations
Waterbody Region Station
Sites in bold were new in the 2017 season
Site # Latitude Longitude
Lake Carmi 4 sites
Lake Carmi, Black Woods 164 44.97530 -72.88546
Lake Carmi State Park
South 165 44.95692 -72.87729
Lake Carmi, Dewing Road 166 44.98214 -72.85354
Lake Carmi, North Beach 167 44.99054 -72.87031
Lake Champlain
Champlain – Inland Sea
22 sites
Grand Isle State Park 11 44.68602 -73.28912
North Hero State Park 23 44.92175 -73.24078
Pelots Bay 24 44.82537 -73.29915
Burton Island 37 44.77686 -73.19632
The Gut 49 44.75137 -73.29026
Sand Bar State Park 57 44.62876 -73.23994
City Bay - Rt 2 78 44.81589 -73.28908
Knight Point State Park 80 44.76867 -73.29446
South Hero Fish and Wildlife Boat Access
110 44.63641 -73.26523
Marycrest Beach 116 44.72336 -73.28155
Cedar Ledge 131 44.84695 -73.26219
Keeler Bay East 134 44.65414 -73.29196
Keeler Bay Boat Launch 135 44.66791 -73.31991
Maquam Beach 139 44.92081 -73.16136
Woods Island 145 44.80487 -73.20453
Knight Island 146 44.81072 -73.25808
Cohen Park 174 44.86489 -73.18236
Van Everest Boat Launch Milton
175 44.70587 -73.21043
South Alburgh - Squires Bay 182 44.90300 -73.27185
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Everest Road 185 44.64983 -73.21310
Maquam Shore Road, Swanton
209 44.90310 -73.16770
Alburgh VT - shoreline 44.92180 -73.25750
Lake Champlain
Champlain – Main Lake Central
35 sites
Wilcox Dock, Plattsburgh 12 44.70887 -73.44538
North Beach 22 44.49106 -73.24037
Red Rocks Beach 27 44.44200 -73.22413
Oakledge Park Blanchard Beach
42 44.45744 -73.22551
Oakledge Park South Cove 43 44.45496 -73.23004
Oakledge Park rocky shoreline
44 44.45671 -73.22803
Shelburne Beach 48 44.36306 -73.26761
Leddy Park 54 44.50083 -73.25341
LaPlatte River Mouth 55 44.40034 -73.23345
Buena Vista Park, Willsboro NY
61 44.40395 -73.37346
Teddy Bear Point Cove, Willsboro NY
63 44.44272 -73.37428
Willsboro Boat Launch 68 44.39945 -73.39155
Burlington, VT - Texaco Beach
72 44.48764 -73.23213
Charlotte Town Beach 76 44.33473 -73.28290
Community Sailing Center 107 44.48206 -73.22552
Starr Farm Beach 108 44.51376 -73.27140
White's Beach in Crescent Bay
114 44.62114 -73.32344
Shelburne Farms 123 44.39440 -73.27750
Sunset/Crescent Beach 132 44.60888 -73.31585
Port Kent Beach 152 44.528651 -73.40347
Peru Boat Launch 159 44.618838 -73.44043
Boat Launch, Corlear Bay, Port Douglas NY
160 44.48612 -73.41174
Allen Point 189 44.59928 -73.31143
Beech Bay 190 44.63250 -73.34290
Ausable Point 376 44.57213 -73.42657
Big Brook Cover, Southern
end 378 44.39267 -73.40530
Hills Point 384 44.339163 -73.28181
Burlington Inner Dock 381 44.482095 -73.22463
Essex Road 382 44.001514 -73.40308
Noblewood Park 390 44.343764 -73.35774
North Shore Beach 391 44.520757 -73.26958
Cliff Haven Camp 404 44.667337 -73.44219
Colchester Point Boat
Launch
Dead Creek Inlet 44.577824 -73.43754
Delta Park 405 44.536704 -73.27749
Champlain - Main Lake North
14 sites
Carry Bay 5 44.83359 -73.28991
Pt. Au Roche State Park Beach
26 44.77414 -73.39380
Alburgh Dunes State Park 35 44.86462 -73.30196
Oliver Bay 45 44.73745 -73.40234
Treadwell Bay, Beekmantown NY
64 44.76008 -73.40752
Pt. Au Roche S.P. Deep Bay 84 44.77751 142
Pt. Au Roche Boat Launch 109 44.80440 -73.36297
Vantines Boat Launch 115 44.71981 -73.34189
Horicans Fish and Wildlife 127 44.91408 -73.31449
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Lake Champlain
Access
Stoney Point, Isle la Motte 128 44.87148 -73.35944
Holcomb Boat Launch 129 44.85468 -73.33162
Pelots Point West 130 44.82608 -73.31012
Mud Point 389 44.93350 -73.31330
RPt DEC Old Beach 395 44.99910 -73.35784
Champlain - Main Lake South
24 sites
Arnold Bay 3 44.14974 -73.36947
Kingsland Bay State Park 15 44.24030 -73.29873
Long Point 18 44.25813 -73.27764
DAR State Park 39 44.05453 -73.41825
Beggs Park Beach, Essex NY 60 44.30846 -73.34732
Niquette Bay State Park 67 44.58129 -73.18889
Button Bay Boat Launch 74 44.17616 -73.35225
Camp Dudley, Westport NY 75 44.14322 -73.41567
Hawkins Bay 105 44.24376 -73.28336
Rosetti Park 111 44.55501 -73.25280
Ferrisburgh Town Beach 117 44.23594 -73.30098
Town Farm Bay 119 44.26916 -73.28875
Ferrisburgh Stone Beach 137 44.23790 -73.30828
Malletts Bay Boat Launch 120 44.55416 -73.23100
Bulwagga Bay/Port Henry 138 44.03688 -73.45475
Camp Kiniya 142 44.60644 -73.22908
Summer Point 148 44.21825 -73.33801
Panton Shore North 151 44.15354 -73.36426
Port Henry Public Beach 153 44.05278 -73.45059
Button Bay State Park 180 44.18093 -73.36176
Button Bay South 183 44.03687 -73.454750
Converse Bay 184 44.29396 -73.28979
Tri-Town Road, West Addison
210 44.08538 -73.40791
Burgey Farm Road 380 44.05594 -73.41717
Champlain – Malletts Bay
4 sites Niquette Bay State Park 67 44.58129 -73.18889
Rosetti Park 111 44.55500 -73.25279
Camp Kiniya 142 44.60644 -73.22907
Bayside Beach 377 44.54565 -73.21594
Champlain - Missisquoi Bay
9 sites
Chapman Bay 6 45.00784 -73.21121
Donaldson Point 10 44.99320 -73.17530
Shipyard, Highgate Springs 30 44.98075 -73.107881
Philipsburg, QC 58 45.03906 -73.07869
Larry Greene Fish & Wildlife Access Area
87 44.96796 73.22111
Country Club Road 172 44.99619 -73.09300
Rock River 178 44.98929 -73.08894
Alburgh Springs 208 44.99135 -73.21595
Venise-en-Quebec 399 45.06441 -73.37015
Champlain – St. Albans Bay
9 sites
St. Albans Bay Park 31 44.80866 -73.14436
St. Albans Boat Launch 32 44.79372 -73.17143
Kill Kare State Park 56 44.77770 -73.18080
Ferrand Rd. St. Albans 113 44.79171 -73.14254
Melville Landing 176 44.76174 -73.16764
Black Bridge 191 44.81030 -73.15180
Georgia Beach 193 44.76742 73.16264
Hacketts Way 402 44.784388 -73.17396
Hathaway Pt. Rd. 403 44.79636 -73.16312
Lake Iroquois 2 sites
Lake Iroquois Southwest 169 44.36327 -73.08564
Lake Iroquois 203 44.37807 -73.08674
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Lake Memphremagog
4 sites
Prouty Beach, Newport VT 204 44.94501 -72.20998
Derby Bay 211 44.99438 -72.18835
Holbrook Bay 212 44.96392 -72.23968
Newport City Dock 342 44.93706 -72.212069
Shelburne Pond 1 site
Shelburne Pond Boat
Launch 396 44.37720 -73.16209
Appendix B - LCC Reporting & Visual Assessment Protocols & Guidance B.1 – Introduction to Cyanobacteria Information https://www.lakechamplaincommittee.org/lcc-at-work/algae-in-lake/#c1837 B.2 – LCC Online Reporting Form https://www.lakechamplaincommittee.org/get-involved/volunteers/cyanobacteriamonitors/cyanobacteria-monitor-reporting-form/ B.3 – LCC Online Instructions for Categorizing Bloom Intensity https://www.lakechamplaincommittee.org/get-involved/volunteers/cyanobacteriamonitors/algaebloomintensity/ B.4 – Instructions for Photographs & Taking Water Samples https://www.lakechamplaincommittee.org/get-involved/volunteers/cyanobacteriamonitors/bga-photos/
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Appendix C – Downloadable Flier on How to Recognize Cyanobacteria
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Appendix D – Example of Weekly Reports to Monitors
8/12/17 LCC Email to All Monitors – Week 8 Results & Monitor Guidance Note: Throughout the season monitors received a weekly personalized email with instructions and information for reporting, resources and links to guide their water assessments, along with background on the monitoring program, funding and partners. As the season moved on, we also included results from the weekly reports, teachable moments from conditions observed, and further guidance to address any reporting issues. This way monitors always had ready access to their site numbers, names, lake region, and any passwords or user names in order to file timely reports. Additionally, the weekly emails let them know who was on call for the weekend and provided other useful information to both aid their reporting and help them educate others about cyanobacteria. (Because the email was constructed in MailChimp, not all the content is viewable in this report. Contact LCC if you’d like to receive the original via email.) From: Lori Fisher <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Lori Fisher Sent: Saturday, August 12, 2017 8:41 AM To: Lori <[email protected]> Subject: LCC Week 8 Cyano. Mon. Reports & Monitor Guidance
To ensure you receive email from LCC, please add [email protected] and [email protected] to your safe/allowed list.
View this email in your browser
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Dear Karen,
This week there were mixed conditions reported on Lake Champlain but only one report of a
bloom at Vermont inland lakes (low alert at Ticklenaked Pond). While blooms witnessed on
Lake Champlain were restricted to Missisquoi Bay (one location), St. Albans Bay (four sites),
Inland Sea (two sites) and the northern part of the lake (one location), we are in the middle of
what is generally the peak bloom period for our region. Too many nutrients have flowed in
during the wet spring and summer and more rain is expected this weekend. This will continue to
fuel nutrient growth so please remind everyone recreating on or near the water to learn to
recognize and avoid contact with blooms. Here's a link to a video that the monitoring partners
collaborated on that can help people identify cyanobacteria. Please share it.
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Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) cyanobacteria monitors filed 122 reports this week with 99
regular, 13 supplementals, seven from research or long-term monitoring stations and three from
Army Corps of Engineer locations. Thanks to everyone who has been diligently reporting and
spreading the word about conditions. A special shout out to Brad Gooding and Cathy Hickory
who have been doing daily reporting this week and who joined Dom and me at St. Albans Bay
to help brief federal Senate staff about the monitoring program.
Reports you filed this week should be visible on the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) Cyanobacteria
data tracker. VDH has not been able to resolve the tracker map software issues so all the site
markers on the VDH data tracker continue to show in lavender instead of the usual green,
yellow or red coding. The most current reports and conditions can still be accessed through the
spreadsheet table to the right of the data tracker map. You can either click on a dot to zoom in
to a location and see the most recent reporting results in the table or select for a location by
town using the drop down menu at the top of the page.
Below you'll find results of this week's reporting, instructions and links for filing your
information directly to the VDH online tracking system, along with your user name,
password, site number(s), site name(s), and lake region(s) for the data entry if they've
been assigned to you. If you don't have a site number and/or your site name does not
appear in the drop down menu of the reporting form, you will need to file a supplemental
report. If your site name is not showing up in the drop down menu please note that in the
“Additional details” field with your site name.
As always, we've included very detailed instructions for reporting using the VDH report form
along with monitor protocols, guidance materials to aid in assessing conditions and background
information about the program. Please use the information in this email to help you file
accurate, timely reports. We'll continue to send you a weekly compilation of monitor reports
along with your username and passwords and useful links to assist with your reporting. If you
have any questions, please call (802 658-1414) or email us
([email protected]). Thanks for all you do!
Warmly,
Lori Fisher, LCC Executive Director
Lake Champlain Committee
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WEEK OF AUGUST 6 CYANOBACTERIA MONITORING RESULTS
The information below represents the results from the latest reporting through Saturday
morning August 12, 2017. If you witness bloom conditions on any waterbody or have
reported low or high alert conditions any time this week, please continue to assess the
water and report daily through the time the bloom has dissipated. Check the data tracker
for the most up to date conditions and let us know if you don't see your recent
filings. David Grass of the VDH will be "on call" this weekend reviewing reports as they
come in and updating the data tracker. If you need to reach him, the best approach is to
email [email protected].
Lake Champlain Monitoring Sites (105 reports)
Missisquoi Bay – 7 reports - Mixed conditions reported this week. High alert bloom conditions
were reported from Place de Quai in Phillipsburg, Quebec on August 7. We have no additional
reports from this site so conditions may have changed. No other blooms were reported at other
locations in the bay this week. While all the other site monitors reported clear water, conditions
can change rapidly. Anyone recreating in the bay should watch for, avoid and report blooms.
St. Albans Bay – 17 reports – Mixed conditions were reported throughout the week. A low alert
bloom was reported at Long-term Monitoring (LTM) Site #40 just north of Lazy Lady Island on
August 9. LTM sites are research locations that are monitored every two weeks so conditions
may change before they are assessed again and show on the data tracker. A bloom started at
St. Albans Town Bay Park mid-afternoon on August 10 and persists through Friday and the
beach remains closed. While water sample tests have come back negative for microcystin, the
beach will stay closed and remain on high alert while cyanobacteria is observed in the water.
High alert bloom conditions were also observed at Black Bridge access area on August 10 and
continue through August 11. A low alert bloom was observed at St. Albans' Cohen Park on the
afternoon of August 10. The 11 other locations were showing safe conditions. Anyone
recreating in the bay area should be mindful of changing conditions and watch for, avoid and
report blooms.
Inland Sea – 16 reports – Mixed conditions were reported this week with a low alert at North
Hero's Pelots Bay on August 8 and at Marycrest Beach in Grand Isle on August 10. The 14
other reports from the Inland Sea showed generally safe conditions but anyone recreating in
this area should be mindful of changing conditions and watch for, avoid and report any blooms.
Malletts Bay – 5 reports – all generally safe conditions; no blooms reported.
Main Lake North – 11 reports – A low alert was called in by a citizen for Alburgh Passage on
August 8 but they were not able to file any follow-up reports. The ten other site reports all
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indicated generally safe conditions. Anyone recreating in this area should be mindful of
changing conditions and watch for, avoid and report any cyanobacteria.
Main Lake Central – 33 reports – all generally safe conditions, mainly showing clear water; no
blooms reported.
Main Lake South – 16 reports – all generally safe conditions, mainly showing clear water; no
blooms reported.
South Lake – 1 report – generally safe conditions; no blooms reported.
Other VT Lakes (13 reports in addition to Army Corps reporting)
Lake Carmi – 5 reports – no bloom sightings, generally safe conditions.
Lake Iroquois – 1 report – no bloom sightings, generally safe conditions.
Lake Memphremagog – 4 reports – no bloom sightings, generally safe conditions.
Lake Morey – 1 report – no bloom sightings, generally safe conditions.
North Hartland Lake – Army Corps of Engineers reported no bloom sightings, generally safe
conditions.
Shelburne Pond – 1 report - no bloom sightings, generally safe conditions.
Stoughton Pond – Army Corps of Engineers reported no bloom sightings, generally safe
conditions.
Tickelnaked Pond – 1 report - low alert conditions observed at the north end beach. Anyone
recreating in these areas should watch for and avoid blooms.
Townshend Lake – Army Corps of Engineers reported no bloom sightings, generally safe
conditions.
Vermont Drinking Water Facilities Report
For the third summer in a row, the VT Dept. of Health and VT Dept. of Env. Conservation
are collaborating to conduct cyanotoxin analysis of raw and finished water for the 22
Lake Champlain-sourced water systems. The 12 weeks of testing is funded by the Lake
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Champlain Basin Program. The tests began in mid-July and will continue through
September. Click here to view results from this week's testing at Vermont Drinking Water
Facilities and for a compilation of results from the last few weeks and recent years.
New York Lake Champlain Beaches
No reports of closures this week. Check with beach authorities for current conditions.
New York Inland Lakes
Cyanobacteria blooms and beach closures have been reported for some inland New York
lakes. For more information and to sign up for weekly notifications of harmful algal blooms in
New York, visit the New York Harmful Algae Blooms Notification Page. The site is generally
updated at least weekly.
PASSWORDS & LINKS FOR YOUR REPORTING
Use the information below to enter your cyanobacteria reports for this and subsequent weeks
on the Vermont Department of Health online reporting form:
User Name: KarenQuimby (no space between your first and last name)
Password: KQcTY3cMe7
The user name is not case sensitive, but the password is. If you are a couple, your user
names and passwords will appear in sequence.
Your site number(s), site name(s), and lake region(s) are:
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Site Number(s): 42,43,44
Site Name(s): Oakledge Park Blanchard Beach, Oakledge Park South Cove, Oakledge Park
Rocky Shoreline
Lake Region(s): Main Lake North
If you have multiple sites, your numbers, names, and lake segments will appear in
sequence. If you have any question about which number pertains to which site name,
please contact LCC Field Associate/Office Manager Alexa Hachigian at 802 658 1414 or
email her at [email protected].
If you haven't been given a site number for one or more of your sites choose
"supplemental" for the type of report, enter "0" in the site number box and provide
narrative detail about your location in the "additional details" box. (The VDH technical
difficulties have delayed their abilities to provide new site numbers so thanks for your
patience as they work to catch up.)
If you are a Lake Champlain Boat Steward your site number(s), name(s) and lake segments
will vary depending on your weekly location. Please scroll to the end of this email for a
table of site numbers and names to guide your reporting.
DATA ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE VDH REPORTING FORM
Hardware & Browser Guidance
The VDH form has been tested on a variety of devices including Windows 7 desktop, Windows
10 laptop, Samsung Galaxy tablet, iPad. The mobile version is also working. Browsers that
have been successfully tested are Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge (Windows 10), and Internet
Explorer 11 (IE11). They should all work, but IE is the most likely to experience problems.
Entering Your Report Data
Click here for a link to the VDH reporting form.
https://apps.health.vermont.gov/vttracking/cyanobacteria/2017/reporter.html
A pop-up will appear in the center of the screen prompting you to sign in.
Use the username and password provided to you in the email from LCC. Type them in the
appropriate fields. Click “OK”.
The popup will disappear, you are now signed in and able to file a report. If the pop up does
not disappear, there may be a problem with your username and password. Double check
that you have typed them in correctly by trying to sign in again. Remember that capital
letters and punctuation matter.
If it still does not work, use the LCC online reporting form to file your report and specify
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that your username and password are not working in the box at the bottom of the form
where you outline problems you've experienced with the VDH form.
On the left side of the screen you will see words “Enter site #:” Enter your site number as
provided above in the white text field. Click “Zoom to site.”
If you do not have a site number, or are filing a supplemental report and do not know the
site number:
Enter the town name instead by typing it into the white text field below “Enter a town
name.” Click “locate”. The map will zoom into the town of interest. You can navigate the
screen by clicking and dragging the page, or using the + and – buttons in the top left
corner of the map to zoom in and out
You will need to include details on the location of this supplemental report in the
“Additional Details” field. See information on filing a supplemental report below.
In a white box on the left side of the tracker, you will see the words “New Report.” Click on the
white box that says “New Report” so the box is highlighted in blue. Double check that you are
viewing the correct site on the map. A crosshair symbol marks the established sites on the
map. When you hover over the map, a bubble should appear next to the cursor reading “Click
to add a point”. Click the location on the map where your observation was made. For routine
reports, it should be close to the crosshairs symbol on the map marking your site.
A popup window will appear when you click. Click on the small box symbol in the top right
corner, to the left of the X, to enlarge the window.
All fields with a red asterisk are required. To fill in a field, click the dropdown arrow to the right
of the field. A dropdown menu will appear, select the appropriate response by clicking on it. If
you don’t see the response you’re looking for, try scrolling to view the all the possible
responses. If you still do not see the response you’re looking for, select “other” by clicking on it.
If you select other, clarify your location by typing the name or description of your location in
“Additional Details”. For each remaining field, use the dropdown menu to fill out the information
needed.
If the site you monitored does not have a Site Number, leave this field blank, and file a
supplemental report (see details below for filing a supplemental report).
A calendar will appear when you view the dropdown menu for “Report Date”. Choose the
correct date by clicking on it. The default date is the current date.
For “Report Time” it must be in 24-hour time, also known as Military Time. (For example,
1:00pm should be reported as 13:00.)
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For “Assessment Method” select “Visual”.
For assistance determining which category your bloom is in. Hit “Help” in parenthesis next to
“Bloom Intensity”.
Your “Affiliation” is LCC volunteer.
Attaching Photographs
For a Category 2 or 3 bloom or any time you have questions about what you are observing,
attach three photos:
A close-up of the bloom.
A wide-angle photo of the bloom and surrounding land and water.
A photo of the water sample in a glass jar, after it has sat in the sun for 30 minutes,
with a white piece of paper behind the jar that includes the date, time, location, site
number, category, and temperature if possible.
Scroll down to see “Attachments” and click “Browse”. Select one of the photos from wherever
you have saved it and upload it by selecting it and then hitting “open”. Repeat this for the other
photos. It's very helpful if you can save your photos titling them with the date-photographer's
name-location-water category-and photo type.
Example file name: 2017-08-12_DavidMonitor_Best Bay_Category 3 Bloom Close-up
Additional Details
Under “Additional Details” describe anything that may be unclear if someone looked at the
photos without having visited the site. Let us know the extent of the bloom and anything else
that might be helpful in assessing your report. Also note the day of the week that you
generally plan to report on in the "Additional Details" section.
Check Your Work Before Submitting
Before you click “Submit” check all the information you provided to make sure it is correct.
Click “Submit” once you are confident that you have filled every field accurately.
Another popup window will confirm that you have submitted a report. You may be contacted by
a moderator from LCC or our partners at VDH and the VT Dept. of Env. Conservation (VT DEC)
with questions. The more details you provide, the less likely you are to be contacted. Click here
for the Cyanobacteria Public Tracker Map. Your report will appear on the map once it is vetted.
If you monitor multiple sites you can navigate to any additional sites by clicking and dragging
on the map or by entering site numbers. You do not need to log in separately for each
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additional report. If you are unable to find your site name for the additional sites, enter an
approximate name and make a note in the “Additional Details” box so VDH can update the
tracker.
Filing a Supplemental Report
File supplemental report(s) if your site does not have a number or you are not reporting
at your normal day, time, and location.
To file a supplemental report, for “Report Type” select “supplemental”.
For supplemental reports, you must provide more information in the “Additional Details” box. If
you are reporting at your regular site, type the word existing. If this is not your regularly
monitored site, please write in the “Additional Details” box about where you are. Include the
municipality you are in as well as details about the location of the specific site you are
observing.
LCC Reporting Form
If you have trouble logging in or encounter any other problems you can submit your reports
through the Lake Champlain Committee's online reporting form. Please be sure to fill out the
section of the form describing the specific problems you experienced with the cyanobacteria
reporter website as this will help the Vermont Dept. of Health team improve the data entry
system.
CYANOBACTERIA MONITORING PROTOCOLS
Timing of weekly reports
To ensure data quality, observations should be made between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM and, to
the extent possible, on the same day each week.
The 10:00 AM start time is because cyanobacteria can regulate their position within the water
column. They will float towards the surface as the sun comes out and the water warms.
Observations before 10:00 AM may not be capturing how much is there. The 3:00 PM cut-off
time is more fluid. At some point cyanobacteria will sink back down in the water column so we
want to get observations before the sun gets too low in the sky.
Let us know when you plan to report
If you haven't let us know which day of the week will generally be your reporting day, please
provide that information in the "Additional Details" section of the VDH report form.
Reporting the same day of the week and the same time of day whenever possible, helps
ensure the integrity of the data. Please make your online report as soon as possible after
observing conditions so that we can provide timely information. VT state law requires
Page 34 of 55
health officials to conduct "public outreach" within an hour of determining that a bloom
is a public health hazard. Your timely notice of water conditions can help keep everyone
informed.
Reporting blooms
If you observe a bloom outside of your normal weekly reporting period, please report it
right away but reference the report type as a "supplemental" report. Continue to make
daily reports through the time the bloom has dissipated. This will help us keep people
updated with timely information about conditions.
Daily reporting
If you are interested in providing daily reports, regardless of whether or not a bloom is
occurring, please let us know. Daily observations provide further information on water
conditions and how blooms develop and dissipate. If you're available to do daily monitoring, you
will still submit a weekly online report for your site(s), but we will also email you an Excel
spreadsheet for recording your daily observations. Whenever you observe bloom conditions
outside of your weekly reporting, you should submit a supplemental online report as soon as
you observe the bloom and then record those details in your Excel spreadsheet as well. (This
helps us get the information out to health agencies and up on the cyanobacteria data tracker
map promptly.) For non-bloom conditions, we will collect your daily reports mid-way and at the
end of the season. Please email us at [email protected] to receive a
spreadsheet for daily reporting. For those of you who have already contacted us, we
anticipate emailing spreadsheets next week.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE DATA?
Your weekly information will be used to populate the Lake Champlain cyanobacteria tracking
map housed at the Vermont Department of Health. Once your reports are vetted by LCC or our
partners at VDH and the VT DEC they will show up on the tracker. You should be able to check
the map throughout the season for data on the Lake Champlain sites as well as several inland
lakes. The vast majority of information provided on the site comes through LCC's cyanobacteria
monitoring program. It's a clear illustration of the critical role you and other "citizen scientist"
monitors play in assessing lake conditions. Your weekly reports are also provided to public
health, environmental, and recreation agencies and managers and interested citizens. Please
pass on this link to anyone you think might be interested in receiving our weekly emails.
LINKS TO REPORTING TOOLS & INFO
VDH reporting form (please use this form as your primary reporting tool as it is
Page 35 of 55
directly linked to the tracker; use the LCC form as back-up if you have problems
reporting through the VDH form)
LCC reporting form
LCC instructions for categorizing water conditions
LCC instructions for photographing blooms and taking water samples
LCC flier on how to differentiate blooms from other lake phenomena
VDH Cyanobacteria Tracker Map
GUIDANCE FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS
Please take digital photographs of the water when category 2 or 3 bloom conditions are
observed:
1. A close-up of the water surface
2. A broad view of water in the vicinity, and
3. A close-up of a water sample in a clear container placed against a background that provides
contrast such as a white sheet of paper or a blank wall. Darker colors provide more contrast.
Put a white piece of paper underneath your jar as well to screen out any background that might
be confusing to the viewer.
All photographs should include the time, date, monitor name and location. This information can
be added by holding a piece of paper with the relevant information in the picture. Name the
photograph file using the year, month, day-photographer's name-location-photo type as shown
below.
Example file name: 2017-08-13_Jane Doe_Bulwagga Bay_Category 2 Bloom Close-up
When collecting a water sample to photograph, take care to avoid exposure to cyanobacteria.
Wear gloves, don't wade or immerse yourself in the water and wash any exposed portions of
your body immediately after collecting the sample. Feel free to forego taking a physical sample
for photography. If you see a bloom, avoid contact with water containing cyanobacteria and file
a report right away.
SPREADING THE WORD
As monitors and partners in this program please help spread awareness about the risks of
cyanobacteria and actions to take, particularly if you see people or pets recreating in bloom
conditions. Your outreach builds a more informed and engaged citizenry. No one should be
Page 36 of 55
drinking untreated lake water regardless of whether or not there is a bloom. If you draw water
from the lake and suspect a bloom near your intake, don't drink, cook, wash dishes or shower
with the water. Boiling water doesn't destroy toxins.
Blooms are caused by a combination of warm water temperatures and high concentrations of
nutrients in the water, particularly phosphorus. Reducing the supply of phosphorus is key to
reducing blooms. So please continue to take actions around your home and workplace and
advocate for stringent controls to reduce nutrients flowing into the lake.
BACKGROUND ON LCC's MONITORING PROGRAM
The Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) developed a cyanobacteria monitoring program for
Lake Champlain in 2003/2004 and has overseen the citizen-based program ever since. The
focus of the program is to raise awareness of the issue, build a database of information on
bloom frequency, and identify and publicize any potential health hazards. The information
gathered will help us better understand the triggers for blooms and aid in the work to reduce
their frequency.
LCC coordinates our monitoring program closely with Vermont and New York health,
environmental and recreation agencies. We annually train hundreds of citizens in methods to
assess and report on water conditions. We also conduct trainings for state and municipal park
staff, town health officers, and public water supply operators. LCC monitors provide important
data on lake health from more than 100 Lake Champlain and inland lake locations.
FUNDERS & PARTNERS
The Lake Champlain Committee's cyanobacteria monitoring program is funded by LCC
members and the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Key program partners include the Vermont
Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and
Recreation, Vermont Department of Health, New York Department of Environmental
Conservation, New York Department of Health, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
TABLE FOR BOAT LAUNCH STEWARD REPORTING
Site # Site Name Lake Segment
12 Wilcox Dock, Plattsburgh Champlain - Main Lake Central
32 St. Albans Boat Launch Champlain - St. Albans Bay
55 LaPlatte River mouth, Shelburne Bay Champlain - Main Lake Central
Page 37 of 55
87 Larry Greene Fish and Wildlife Access Champlain - Missisquoi Bay
110 South Hero Fish and Wildlife Boat Access
Champlain - Inland Sea
120 Mallets Bay Boat Launch Champlain - Mallets Bay
150 Plattsburgh Boat Launch Champlain - Main Lake Central
159 Peru Boat Launch Champlain - Main Lake Central
184 Converse Bay Boat Launch Champlain - Main Lake South
0 Colchester Point Fishing Access Area Champlain - Main Lake Central
LCC's Facebook Page
LCC's Website
Contact Us
Copyright © 2017 Lake Champlain Committee, All rights reserved.
You have received this message because you are subscribed to receive emails from the Lake Champlain
Committee. We'll send about 1-2 emails per month.
Our mailing address is:
Lake Champlain Committee
208 Flynn Avenue
Building 3, Studio 3F
Burlington, VT 05401
Add us to your address book
unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences
Page 38 of 55
Appendix E – Example of Weekly Reports to Interested Citizens/Agencies 9/30/17 LCC Email to Interested Citizens & Partners –
Week 15 Cyanobacteria Report & Lake Party Invite Note: We compiled a list of citizens and partners who wanted to receive our weekly cyanobacteria reports. We advertised this option to all LCC members through mailings, emailings and social media posts. We also promoted it through the media, outlets like Front Porch Forum and through a wide variety of public outreach programs including presentations and tabling events. We promoted the email list serve throughout the season and continued to expand the list-serve. Recipients received a personalized email each week which provided:
an overview of conditions,
details of the weekly reports by lake section or inland lake,
information about and links to the data tracker map and resources housed on the VT Dept. of Health website,
links to resources to learn more about cyanobacteria and report on conditions,
guidance on what to do if they observe a bloom,
information on how the data is utilized,
how to spread the word,
background on the citizen monitoring program, and
funding and partners We used the intro letter and pictures to share information about conditions observed that week and to further educate recipients about cyanobacteria. (Because the email was constructed in MailChimp, not all the content is viewable in this report. Contact LCC if you’d like to receive the original via email.)
From: Lori Fisher Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2017 7:32 PM To: LCC Email List of Interested Citizens & Partners Subject: Lake Champlain Committee Final 2017 Weekly Cyano. Mon. Report & AM Invitation
Page 39 of 55
To ensure you receive email from LCC, please add [email protected] and [email protected] to your safe/allowed list.
View this email in your browser
Dear Lori,
Below is our last weekly report for the 2017 cyanobacteria monitoring season. From
September 24 through mid-week, a record-setting heat wave helped spawn or perpetuate
blooms at over 20 monitoring sites along the Lake Champlain shoreline. The wet spring
and summer had already flushed lots of nutrients into our waterways priming conditions
for cyanobacteria to take off during the spate of hot, still weather. Additionally, we
observed a genus of cyanobacteria in the area of the Burlington Coast Guard ramp that
presents differently than other cyanobacteria (scroll down for pictures and more
information about Scytonema).
Page 40 of 55
Volunteers and partners turned out in force to respond to the blooms, filing reports,
putting up signs, and educating people about cyanobacteria. LCC staff fanned out at
various beaches along the lake to assess conditions and inform beach goers about
cyanobacteria blooms. Many LCC monitors visited sites multiple times during the week.
We're grateful for all the dedicated volunteers, state and provincial agency partners,
water facility operators, parks and recreation staff, and the Lake Champlain Basin
Program for the ongoing efforts that makes this cyanobacteria monitoring program
work. If you'd like to be part of the team next year, or want to take the training to learn
how to identify cyanobacteria, please sign up here.
Cyanobacteria blooms are still present in areas of Lake Champlain and some inland
lakes. Anyone on the water or shoreline should watch for changing conditions and avoid
contact with scums, mats or blooms. While the formal reporting season is ending, LCC
will continue to update the blue-green algae tracker with any bloom reports we receive in
the off-season. If you think you see a bloom, please file a report using the Lake
Champlain Committee's online reporting form.
Please join us on Thursday October 12 for our annual lake party! We'll gather from 6:00
- 8:00 PM at the Flynndog Gallery and Chef's Corners South End at 208 Flynn Avenue in
Burlington's south end. There will be a guest address by Dr. Danielle Garneau on
Microplastics in Lake Champlain, light fare of locally sourced food and drink (including
great beer from our friends at Magic Hat), cool art in the gallery, and conversation with
other lake lovers. Click here for more information and to register. RSVP by 10/3/17 to be
entered into our pool of great prizes including a Keurig coffee maker, Happy lights,
gourmet chocolates, gift certificates, LCC's natural history book and more cool items.
Thanks for caring for the health of our waterways. We hope you will stay involved with
lake issues as the weather and water turn cooler. Your testimony at hearings, letters to
policy makers, and discussions with family and friends can have a meaningful impact.
Please let your legislators know you want them to make financial and resource
investments to protect and restore water quality.
Hope to see you soon,
Lori Fisher, LCC Executive Director
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 24 CYANOBACTERIA MONITORING RESULTS
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The information below represents reporting through mid-day Saturday, September 30,
2017.
Lake Champlain Monitoring Sites (130 reports)
Missisquoi Bay – 6 reports - Mixed conditions were reported again this week. High alert bloom
conditions have continued at Philipsburg Quebec and have also been reported, as of
September 26, at the mouth of the Pike River. Locations on the Vermont side of the bay were
reporting good conditions. Conditions can change rapidly so anyone recreating in the bay
should watch for, avoid and report blooms.
St. Albans Bay – 18 reports – Mixed conditions this week. High alert conditions were reported
from several areas on September 25. Some areas have cleared, but everyone in this area
should watch for and avoid contact with the water for at least 24 hours after blooms dissipate.
Inland Sea – 6 reports – Mixed conditions were reported this week. Alert conditions were
reported from the Maquam shore earlier in the week. Other locations reported generally safe
conditions without blooms. Conditions can change rapidly so anyone recreating in this section
of the lake should watch for, report and avoid blooms.
Malletts Bay – 7 reports – Mixed conditions this week. Low alert conditions were reported at
the mouth of the bay on September 25. Other locations reported good conditions. Anyone in
the bay should watch for, avoid and report blooms.
Main Lake North – 13 reports – Mixed conditions this week. Low alert conditions were reported
from the Deep Bay at Pt Au Roche State Park in NY on September 25. All other sites reported
generally safe conditions. Conditions can change readily so anyone recreating in this section of
the lake should watch for, report on and avoid blooms.
Main Lake Central – 50 reports – Mixed conditions this week. High alert conditions were
reported from many locations along the eastern shore this week. Beaches were closed in
Shelburne, South Burlington, and Burlington. Burlington Parks and Rec. staff worked with the
Vermont Dept. of Health staff to use and verify Abraxis microcystin test strip results for
monitoring several beach areas. This looks to be a useful tool in recreational settings and their
use may be expanded next year. Conditions can change rapidly so anyone recreating in this
section of the lake should watch for, report on and avoid blooms.
Main Lake South – 26 reports – Mixed conditions this week. High alert conditions were
reported from several areas including the Charlotte Beach. Everyone should watch for, avoid
and report cyanobacteria.
Page 42 of 55
South Lake – 4 reports - all generally safe conditions; no blooms reported.
Other VT Lakes (16 reports)
Chittenden Reservoir – 1 report - VT Dept. of Environmental Conservation received a
report of particulate matter in the water and confirmed that small amounts of
cyanobacteria are present in some areas of the reservoir but not at bloom levels. While
the area is considered generally safe, conditions should be watched carefully.
Lake Carmi – 5 reports – Lake Carmi continues to experience an intense bloom that has
persisted for multiple weeks. High alert bloom conditions persisted for a fifth week for most of
the lake. Everyone should stay away from the water while blooms persist and avoid contact
with the water for at least 24 hours after blooms dissipate.
Lake Iroquois – 5 report – Mixed conditions reported this week. High alert conditions were
reported from the southwestern areas of the lake on September 25. Conditions have since
cleared but anyone recreating in the area should watch for, report and avoid blooms.
Lake Memphremagog – 3 reports – no bloom sightings, generally safe conditions.
Lake Morey – 1 report – Mixed conditions were reported. Low alert conditions were reported
on September 25 from the northeastern area of the lake. There has been no follow-up reporting
so far; conditions can change rapidly so please watch for, avoid and report blooms.
North Hartland Reservoir – 0 reports – monitoring has ended for the season here, please be
mindful of conditions and report and avoid any blooms if you recreate in this area.
Shelburne Pond – 1 report – High alert conditions were reported September 26 from the boat
launch area. Anyone recreating on the pond should watch for, report and avoid blooms.
Stoughton Pond – 0 reports – monitoring has ended for the season on this lake, please be
mindful of conditions and report and avoid any blooms if you recreate in this area.
Tickelnaked Pond – 0 reports – monitoring has ended for the season on this lake, please be
mindful of conditions and report and avoid any blooms if you recreate in this area.
Townshend Lake – 0 reports – monitoring has ended for the season on this lake, please be
mindful of conditions and report and avoid any blooms if you recreate in this area.
Vermont Drinking Water Facilities Report
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There were no toxin detections this week. This is the last week of the 12-week routine
monitoring program for VT facilities on Lake Champlain which is funded by the Lake Champlain
Basin Program. The VDH and the VT Drinking and Groundwater Protection Division will
continue to work with water facilities to monitor conditions and test as needed. Click here to
view results from this week's testing at Vermont Drinking Water Facilities and for a
compilation of results from the last few weeks and recent years.
New York Lake Champlain Beaches
We have received no reports of closures this week. Check with beach or municipal officials for
current conditions.
New York Inland Lakes
Cyanobacteria blooms and beach closures have been reported for some NY inland lakes. For
more information, visit the New York Harmful Algae Blooms Notification Page -
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html. The site is generally updated at least weekly.
SCYTONEMA MATS
As noted earlier, a different genus of cyanobacteria was recently observed at the Coast Guard
Boat ramp in Burlington. It's called Scytonema (also known as Lyngbya) and is the same
organism that was found over the water intake pipe in Rouses Point in 2012. The mats covered
Page 44 of 55
a large area, extending out from the shore through much of the small embayment near the
Coast Guard station. LCC and VT DEC staff took water samples that were analyzed by the
state lab and revealed that the mats were nearly 100% Scytonema with some entangled
Microcystis and Anabena (the cyanobacteria more commonly found in Lake Champlain).
Scytonema is known to produce toxins and skin irritants. It forms mats that are coarse to the
touch, stringy if you pull them apart and similar to decaying filamentous green algae and dark
enough to be mistaken for green algae like Cladophora which is often observed on Lake
Champlain. As such, it doesn't match up with our typical guidance for cyanobacteria. We will be
updating our protocols for identifying cyanobacteria but in the interim here's some guidance to
help you distinguish this from common filamentous green algae:
Coloration of these benthic mats is dark olive-green blue. They are very cohesive and
can be lifted from the water with a stick (see my photo below) like filamentous green
algae.
Unlike green algae, they are not hairy or stringy. Instead the mats form cohesive lumps,
flaps and flat layers that do not separate easily when gently pulled.
They are rough to the touch rather than slippery like some of the common filamentous
green algaes. We recommend not to touch them bare-handed.
They usually form bottom-dwelling mats but can also float on the surface as was the
case at the Coast Guard location.
Scytonema is somewhat mobile. If you leave a sample of the mat in water and
undisturbed, you will observe filaments separating from the main mass along the
edges. These will be deep blue-green in color. Over a longer period, the water will also
turn bluish-green as the filaments begin to fragment and float free. Filamentous green
algae are not mobile and will not move out from the main clump of material under still
conditions. After sitting for a while, they may release spores that may turn the water
grass or dark green.
Scytonema is reported to produce saxitoxin (a neurotoxin) and an unknown hepatotoxin
(liver toxin).
Like all cyanobacteria, they should be considered potentially toxic and avoided.
CHECK OUT THE DATA TRACKER MAP
You can see a full compilation of the monitoring reports on the cyanobacteria tracker map
housed at the Vermont Department of Health (VDH). LCC adds reports on a daily basis and
they are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. The site is a great resource to learn
Page 45 of 55
about conditions throughout the season. You can select a lake segment or lake, zoom in on
sites, and find out the status of lake conditions based on the most recent report. The date of the
last monitoring report and status of conditions will appear in a table on the right. On the map,
green dots indicate generally safe conditions, yellow dots note low alerts, and red dots
highlight high alerts. The low and high alert ratings don't change until the next report is filed.
The vast majority of the data are provided by LCC monitors who report from over 100 locations
on Lake Champlain and inland lakes. VDH will keep the site live for several more weeks this
fall.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CYANOBACTERIA
Check out LCC's website for more information about cyanobacteria. You'll find additional
resources at the links below to help you identify and avoid blooms. Click here and sign up if
you're interested in getting trained as a monitor for the 2018 season or just want to learn more
about cyanobacteria.
LCC reporting form
LCC instructions for categorizing water conditions
LCC instructions for photographing blooms and taking water samples
LCC flier on how to differentiate blooms from other lake phenomena
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE OR SUSPECT A BLOOM
Report it to the Lake Champlain Committee using our online form. Click here for how to
assess conditions.
Avoid contact with the water in the area of the bloom.
If you've been in contact with a bloom, rinse and shower thoroughly as soon as
possible.
Keep people (especially children) and pets out of the water.
Do not drink untreated lake water. If you suspect a bloom near your intake, don't drink,
cook or shower with the water. Boiling water does not destroy toxins.
See a doctor if someone gets ill after exposure to a cyanobacteria bloom and have
them report bloom-related illnesses to the health department.
Page 46 of 55
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CYANOBACTERIA MONITORING DATA?
Lake Champlain Committee monitor reports are recorded on the Lake Champlain
cyanobacteria tracking map housed at the Vermont Department of Health. All reports are
vetted by the Lake Champlain Committee or our partners at VDH and the VT DEC before they
show up on the tracker. You should be able to check the map throughout the season for data
on Lake Champlain sites as well as several inland lakes. The vast majority of information
provided on the site come from LCC's cyanobacteria monitors. It's a clear illustration of the
critical role these "citizen scientists" play in assessing lake conditions. The weekly reports are
also provided to public health, environmental, and recreation agencies and managers and
interested citizens. Please pass on this link to anyone you think might be interested in receiving
our weekly emails.
SPREAD THE WORD
As someone interested in water quality, please help spread awareness about the risks of
cyanobacteria and actions to take, particularly if you see people or pets recreating in bloom
conditions. Your outreach builds a more informed and engaged citizenry. No one should be
drinking untreated lake water regardless of whether or not there is a bloom. If you draw water
from the lake and suspect a bloom near your intake, don't drink, cook, wash dishes or shower
with the water. Boiling water doesn't destroy toxins.
Blooms are caused by a combination of warm water temperatures and high concentrations of
nutrients in the water, particularly phosphorus. Reducing the supply of phosphorus is key to
reducing blooms. So please continue to take actions around your home and workplace and
advocate for stringent controls and federal, state and local investments to reduce nutrients
flowing into our waterways.
BACKGROUND ON LCC's MONITORING PROGRAM
The Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) developed a cyanobacteria monitoring program for
Lake Champlain in 2003/2004 and has overseen the citizen-based program ever since. The
focus of the program is to raise awareness of the issue, build a database of information on
bloom frequency, and identify and publicize any potential health hazards. The information
gathered will help us better understand the triggers for blooms and aid in the work to reduce
their frequency.
LCC coordinates our monitoring program closely with Vermont and New York health,
environmental and recreation agencies. We annually train hundreds of citizens in methods to
assess and report on water conditions. We also conduct trainings for state and municipal park
Page 47 of 55
staff, town health officers, and public water supply operators. LCC monitors provide important
data on lake health from more than 100 Lake Champlain and inland lake locations.
FUNDERS & PARTNERS
The Lake Champlain Committee's cyanobacteria monitoring program is funded by LCC
members and the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Key program partners include the Vermont
Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and
Recreation, Vermont Department of Health, New York Department of Environmental
Conservation, New York Department of Health, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
LCC's Facebook Page
LCC's Website
Contact Us
Copyright © 2017 Lake Champlain Committee, All rights reserved.
You have received this message because you are subscribed to receive emails from the Lake Champlain
Committee. We'll send about 1-2 emails per month.
Our mailing address is:
Lake Champlain Committee
208 Flynn Avenue
Building 3, Studio 3F
Burlington, VT 05401
Add us to your address book
unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences
Page 48 of 55
Appendix F – Example of Select Reports to Media
8/31/17 LCC Cyanobacteria Primer to Lake Champlain Basin Media Note: In addition to providing media with an update on the weekly conditions observed by monitors, each weekly email contained links to resources for further information, photos illustrative of conditions, data tracker information, and background on the monitoring program, funding and partners. This way the Media had ready access to a host of educational resources to better inform their reporting. (Because the email was constructed in MailChimp, not all the content is viewable in this report. Contact LCC if you’d like to receive the original via email.)
From: Lori Fisher Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2017 3:57 PM To: Lake Champlain Basin Media Subject: LCC Cyanobacteria Primer
To ensure you receive email from LCC, please add [email protected] and [email protected] to your safe/allowed list.
View this email in your browser
Dear Media Partner,
As we head into the Labor Day weekend Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) monitors are
reporting both clear conditions and cyanobacteria blooms. While many beaches are open and
safe for swimming so far this week we have received bloom reports for Bulwagga Bay, Maquam
Shore, St. Albans Bay, Missisquoi Bay, Lake Carmi, Shelburne Pond and Ticklenaked Pond .
These last weeks of summer are precious times to be out on and around water. Just as
Page 49 of 55
everyone who hikes needs to be mindful of poison ivy, everyone who recreates in water should
learn to recognize, report and avoid cyanobacteria blooms. Please help us get the message out
to the public.
Here's a link to a video that LCC and partners collaborated on to help people identify
cyanobacteria. Please share it through your reporting channels and let people know they can
sign up for LCC's weekly cyanobacteria reports through this link:
https://www.lakechamplaincommittee.org/lcc-at-work/algae-in-lake/cyanobacteria-weekly-
report-subscription/. Anyone who sees a bloom should take pictures and report it right away
using the Lake Champlain Committee's online form.
The wet spring and summer have flushed alot of nutrients into the water which sets the table for
blooms once the water warms up, particularly if the weather is calm and still. Wind and rain can
move scums throughout the bays or break them up. Cyanobacteria conditions can vary widely
over short time frames and short distances. Some blooms persist for days while others pop up
and disappear within a span of hours. Blooms are pushed by prevailing winds, leading to
denser shoreline accumulations downwind.
We have included further information below along with links and photos to help you recognize
and report on cyanobacteria and provide information to the public.
Thanks for helping get the word out,
Lori Fisher, LCC Executive Director
CHECK OUT THE DATA TRACKER MAP
You can see a full compilation of the monitoring reports on the cyanobacteria tracker map
housed at the Vermont Department of Health. LCC adds reports on a daily basis and they are
accessible to anyone with an internet connection. The site is a great resource to learn about
conditions throughout the season. You can select a lake segment or lake, zoom in on sites, and
find out the status of lake conditions based on the most recent report. The date of the last
monitoring report and status of conditions will appear in a table on the right. Green dots indicate
generally safe conditions, yellow dots note low alerts, and red dots highlight high alerts.
The low and high alert ratings don't change until the next report is filed.
Please check out the site and let lake users know about this resource. The vast majority of the
reports are provided by LCC monitors who report from over 100 locations on Lake Champlain
and inland lakes.
Page 50 of 55
LEARN MORE ABOUT CYANOBACTERIA
Check out LCC's website for more information about cyanobacteria. You'll find additional
resources at the links below to help identify and avoid blooms.
LCC reporting form
LCC instructions for categorizing water conditions
LCC instructions for photographing blooms and taking water samples
LCC flier on how to differentiate blooms from other lake phenomena
Video to help identify cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria Fact Sheet
NY Dogs and Harmful Algal Blooms Fact Sheet
VT Fact Sheet for Veterinarians
Page 51 of 55
STAY SAFE
Avoid any contact with green scummy waters or water where there is a suspected bloom.
Contact with a bloom can cause skin rashes and stomach illness including nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea. Aerosolized water droplets with algae in them can produce allergy-like symptoms.
Some species under some conditions can produce toxins that affect the liver while other
species' compounds affect the nervous system. You cannot tell if a bloom contains toxins by
looking at it, the only way to be sure is through a water test. Children and dogs are most
vulnerable because they are less particular about what they eat or drink or where they swim;
they are more likely to ingest water; they are smaller so a dosage has a greater affect. Dogs
can receive a larger dose of toxins when they swim in a bloom then lick their fur. The deaths of
two dogs during the summers of 1999 and 2000 were attributed to cyanobacteria toxin
poisoning from Lake Champlain water.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE OR SUSPECT A BLOOM
Report it to the Lake Champlain Committee using our online form. Click here for how to
assess conditions.
Avoid contact with the water in the area of the bloom.
Page 52 of 55
If you've been in contact with a bloom, rinse and shower thoroughly as soon as
possible.
Keep people (especially children) and pets out of the water.
Do not drink untreated lake water. If you suspect a bloom near your intake, don't drink,
cook or shower with the water. Boiling water does not destroy toxins.
See a doctor if someone gets ill after exposure to a cyanobacteria bloom and have
them report bloom-related illnesses to the health department.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CYANOBACTERIA MONITORING DATA?
Lake Champlain Committee monitor reports are recorded on the Lake Champlain
cyanobacteria tracking map housed at the Vermont Department of Health. All reports are
vetted by the Lake Champlain Committee or our partners at VDH and the VT Dept. of
Environmental Conservation before they show up on the tracker. The map provides data on
Lake Champlain sites as well as several inland lakes throughout the season. The vast majority
of information provided on the site come from LCC's cyanobacteria monitors. It's a clear
illustration of the critical role these "citizen scientists" play in assessing lake conditions. The
weekly reports are also provided to public health, environmental, and recreation agencies and
managers and interested citizens. Please pass on this link to anyone you think might be
interested in receiving our weekly emails.
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SPREAD THE WORD
Please help spread awareness about the risks of cyanobacteria and actions to take to avoid
exposure and reduce bloom frequency. No one should be drinking untreated lake water
regardless of whether or not there is a bloom. People who draw water from the lake and
suspect a bloom near their intake should not drink, cook, wash dishes or shower with the water.
Boiling water doesn't destroy toxins.
Blooms are caused by a combination of warm water temperatures and high concentrations of
nutrients in the water, particularly phosphorus. Reducing the supply of phosphorus is key to
reducing blooms. LCC urges everyone to take personal actions to protect water quality and
advocate for stringent controls to reduce nutrients flowing into the lake.
BACKGROUND ON LCC's MONITORING PROGRAM
The Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) developed a cyanobacteria monitoring program for
Lake Champlain in 2003/2004 and has overseen the citizen-based program ever since. The
focus of the program is to raise awareness of the issue, build a database of information on
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bloom frequency, and identify and publicize any potential health hazards. The information
gathered will help us better understand the triggers for blooms and aid in the work to reduce
their frequency.
LCC coordinates our monitoring program closely with Vermont and New York health,
environmental and recreation agencies. We annually train hundreds of citizens in methods to
assess and report on water conditions. We also conduct trainings for state and municipal park
staff, town health officers, and public water supply operators. LCC monitors provide important
data on lake health from more than 100 Lake Champlain and inland lake locations.
FUNDERS & PARTNERS
The Lake Champlain Committee's cyanobacteria monitoring program is funded by LCC
members and the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Key program partners include the Vermont
Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and
Recreation, Vermont Department of Health, New York Department of Environmental
Conservation, New York Department of Health, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
Page 55 of 55
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